Chapter 165 For the Rest of His Life, He Would Stay by Song Jingmo’s Side

Qu Suiwan’s voice carried a teasing smile: “Find the right opportunity, and make your relationship official.”

“Even if you can’t get married here, you can register abroad.”

“Netherlands, Belgium, Canada… many countries recognize same-sex marriage. If you and Er’er get your certificate there, wouldn’t you feel more at ease?”

Song Jingmo’s heart skipped a beat.

Engagement.

Registering a certificate.

Those words swirled in his mind, stirring a strange, thrilling heartbeat.

He imagined Lu Er wearing a ring.

Imagined exchanging vows in a small foreign chapel.

Imagined their names written side by side in the red booklet…

But immediately, reality poured a bucket of cold water over his daydream.

“Mom,” Song Jingmo’s voice lowered, “it’s… not that simple.”

“What’s wrong?”

Qu Suiwan, sensing the change in her son’s mood, asked sharply, “Is it… Er’er’s family?”

Song Jingmo fell silent for a few seconds before speaking with difficulty: “Er’er’s mother… doesn’t agree.”

Qu Suiwan sighed: “Parents everywhere worry about their children. I can understand how she feels.”

“As a mother, who wouldn’t want their child to have an easy and smooth path? But… matters of the heart, they’re never smooth.”

“As long as two people are united in heart and effort, what obstacles can’t they overcome?”

“Mom…” Song Jingmo’s voice grew hoarse, “thank you.”

“For what? You’re my son.”

Qu Suiwan scolded lightly, “But Mo Mo, you can’t rush this. Er’er’s mother will need time.”

“All you need to do is show her through your actions that you’re together, happy, and able to support each other for a lifetime.”

“Everyone’s heart is soft; one day she’ll relent. When the time is right, I’ll return and talk to her.”

Song Jingmo nodded: “I know. Er’er said he would work on his mother’s mindset, so I shouldn’t rush.”

“Er’er is a good kid,” Qu Suiwan said with feeling. “If you need help, just tell your mom.”

“Mm.”

After a few more casual words, Qu Suiwan hung up.

Song Jingmo held his phone and reopened his social feed.

Scrolling through the posts, a swirl of emotions rose in his chest.

Happiness was real, unease was real.

Excitement for the future was real, worry about reality was real.

But as his mother had said, as long as they shared one heart, they would always find a way.

New comments kept coming in. Colleagues teased, saying, “The wedding gift money is ready.”

Curious classmates asked, “When did this happen?”

Some friends who didn’t know were surprised: “So Dr. Song likes men?”

Song Jingmo replied carefully to each.

To Dr. Zhao: “There will be a wedding banquet; I’ll definitely invite you then.”

To the head nurse: “Thank you.”

To Tang Lan: “Observant, aren’t you? [laugh]”

To Liao Xubai: “Thanks.”

To Grandpa: “Once Er’er’s work is less busy, we’ll come visit you.”

To his father: “Thanks, Dad.”

Finally, under his own post, he added: “Thank you all for your blessings. We’ll keep being happy together.”

After sending it, Song Jingmo put down the phone and walked to his desk.

In the drawer lay a photo album, full of pictures of him and Lu Er from high school.

Back then, Lu Er was still a youthful boy in his school uniform, smiling carefree.

And he always wore a serious face, only showing a helpless but indulgent smile when Lu Er came over to tease him.

At two in the morning, Song Jingmo sent Lu Er a message: “Have you landed?”

Almost immediately, Lu Er replied: “Just landed. Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“Waiting for you to check in safely.”

“I’m here, safe. You should go to sleep; you have work tomorrow.”

“Can’t sleep. Thinking of you.”

The chat showed “typing…,” then paused, then typed again.

After a while, Lu Er finally replied: “I miss you too, especially so.”

Seeing those words, the emptiness in Song Jingmo’s heart instantly filled.

“Did you see my post?”

“Just saw it. When did you post? How come I didn’t know you took those photos?”

“They took them. I secretly saved a few.”

“They’re really good… and the line you wrote…”

Lu Er’s messages came one after another: “You’re by my side, right there. How are you so good at this?”

“Honestly.”

“I know.”

Lu Er sent a shy emoji: “My mom saw it too. She just called me, asking what’s going on.”

Song Jingmo’s heart jumped: “What did she say?”

“What else could she say? Told me not to fool around.”

Lu Er’s words carried some helplessness, but quickly became resolute: “But don’t worry. I’ve already told her. I’m serious, very, very serious.”

“Er’er…”

“Don’t feel pressured.”

Lu Er continued: “I’ll handle my mom. You just need to trust me.”

Song Jingmo’s fingers trembled as he typed: “Okay. I trust you.”

Thinking about work the next day, Lu Er reluctantly urged: “Go to sleep. You still have to save lives tomorrow.”

“You too, rest early.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.”

Outside, the night was thick as ink, but Song Jingmo felt his anxiety and worries slowly soothed by this brief exchange.

The road ahead was long, difficulties would still come.

But as long as Lu Er was by his side, there was nothing to fear.

Putting down the phone, Song Jingmo turned off the light and went into the bedroom.

The bed still held traces of Lu Er from last night; a few strands of chestnut hair lay on the pillow.

Song Jingmo lay down, hugging the pillow, inhaling deeply.

The faint scent of orange lingered at his nose, as if Lu Er were still there.

K City, Hotel.

Lu Er held his phone, scrolling through Song Jingmo’s post again and again.

He saved all the photos, then opened a chat with Luo Bingbing and sent the screenshots.

He thought he’d have to wait until the next day for a reply, but Luo Bingbing responded quickly:

“Dr. Song is publicly declaring his love! Not bad, kid. You’ve completely mesmerized someone so cold and aloof.”

Lu Er sent a proud emoji: “Yeah.”

But the smile quickly faded.

He asked: “Mom… has she asked about anything recently?”

Luo Bingbing: “Yesterday at dinner, she tried to indirectly ask about your relationship. I told her you’ve been busy with work, so haven’t been in touch.”

Lu Er stared at the words, feeling heavy inside.

He replied: “Thanks, sister-in-law. Keep covering for me a little longer.”

“For how long?” Luo Bingbing asked. “You can’t do this forever, can you?”

“And… Mom is starting to prepare the engagement banquet. What are you going to do?”

Lu Er stared at the ceiling; the hotel’s overhead light blurred in his vision.

Finally, he only replied: “The boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridge.”

After sending, Lu Er turned off his phone and closed his eyes.

In the darkness, Song Jingmo’s words—“Two wishes: you’re by my side, right there”—replayed in his mind.

No matter if his mother agreed or not, for the rest of his life, he would stay by Song Jingmo’s side.